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Climate Change

May 07, 2014 Sea levels have long been rising, by about a foot during the past century in Charleston, but the rise is expected to accelerate due to climate change. Higher sea levels would increase flooding, change the balance of salt and fresh water in brackish marshes, and potentially threaten homes and compromise some coastal drinking water supplies. While specific weather events canĺt be attributed to climate change, the report suggests that events that seem unusual, such as the ice storms that twice closed the Ravenel Bridge between Charleston and Mount Pleasant this winter, could become more common.

Each year, more than 1.2 million people move to the U.S. coast, and South Carolina's Lowcountry -- including Wild Dunes on the Isle of Palms seen here on Tuesday -- has seen some of the greatest growth on the Atlantic coast. Climate change, according to the National Climate Assessment, "will create increasing hazards to the coasts■─˘ densely populated areas" including rising sea levels and more intense hurricanes. Wade Spees/Staff May 6, 2014

Each year, more than 1.2 million people move to the U.S. coast, and South Carolina's Lowcountry -- including Wild Dunes on the Isle of Palms seen here on Tuesday -- has seen some of the greatest growth on the Atlantic coast. Climate change, according to the National Climate Assessment, "will create increasing hazards to the coasts■─˘ densely populated areas" including rising sea levels and more intense hurricanes. Wade Spees/Staff May 6, 2014

Persistent onshore winds and astronomical factors made for higher than normal tides on Monday afternoon September 14, 2009, which began to cover Sol Legare Road on James Island. A number of downtown streets also experience flooding.(Wade Spees/Staff)

Ice formed on the cables of the Arthur Ravenel Bridge Wednesday and may keep the bridge closed through Thursday. (Brad Nettles/Staff) 2/12/14

Wheat rises from a field leased to a local farmer at Mullet Hall Equestrian Center in Johns Island County Park, a facility owned by Charleston County┤s Parks and Recreation Commission. Friday May 24, 2013. (Wade Spees/postandcourier.com)

Welders Mark Holcombe (left) and Gary Meetze work through the year in every kind of weather, including Tuesday afternoon's heat on August 2, 2011. ""Have to beat the elements,"" said Holcombe of the umbrellas and fans attached to the pilings they were working on to support the Highway 17 North overpass at Bowman Road. He said each day he drinks ""a gallon of Gatorade and endless amounts of H2O."" (Wade Spees/postandcourier.com) NOTE: if necessary to explain the fan blades, they appear still but the camera's short duration shutter speed. Č Č Published Caption 8/3/11: Welders Mark Holcombe (left) and Gary Meetze work through the year in every kind of weather, including Tuesday afternoon's heat. ""Have to beat the elements,"" Holcombe said of the umbrellas and fans attached to the pilings they were working on to support the U.S. Highway 17 North overpass at Bowman Road. He said he drinks ""a gallon of Gatorade and endless amounts of H2O"" a day.

High tide waters lap at the roadway connecting Highway 61 from U.S. 17, near the Ashley River Bridge, in West Ashley.Downtown flooding will worsen as seas continue to rise, bringing more intense waves. (Brad Nettles/postandcourier.com)

Ice covers the trees in front of the Dorchester County Human Services Building Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014 in Summerville. Paul Zoeller/Staff

Flooding on Market Street during an afternoon rain Wednesday, June 19, 2013 in Charleston (Paul Zoeller/postandcourier.com)